Pamela Sue (Knapp) Drake

Pamela Sue Drake, lovingly known as “Pam,” passed away peacefully at age 66 on August 22, 2025 in her home in Meridian, Idaho. For three years, she bravely faced the progression of ALS, and in her final moments, she was surrounded by family and friends, whom she cherished. The steady stream of visitors during her hospice care was a testament to the countless lives she touched and the steadfast friendships she cultivated. 

Life and Legacy 

Is Born on October 24, 1958, in Sunland, California, to Albert Lee and Gladys Violet (Thomas) Knapp, Pam was the youngest of eight children. In addition to her biological siblings, Pam was close to her foster brothers Ricky and John. She graduated from Hart High School (class of 1976), where she was an active member of the competitive small precision and drill team, marching in the prestigious New Year’s Tournament of Roses Parade and performing in the Calgary Rodeo in Canada. After high school, Pam’s life was dedicated to her family. 

Pam became a young mother of two daughters and a son. Motherhood and education became her priority, and she poured her heart into raising her children. She loved her children and grandchildren more than anything, and her expression of love for her family extended to her many creative talents and passions. No matter the artistic medium, if Pam was interested in learning and doing, she succeeded. Pam was a tremendous cook, professional-quality seamstress, talented artist, and skilled typist before the invention of the backspace button. Her Thanksgiving feasts, couture prom dresses and Halloween costumes, and assistance typing up school reports were appreciated more and more as her children grew older and realized how fortunate they were to have such an exceptional mother. 

She became a licensed cosmetologist; something she did as much for her own enjoyment of expanding her cosmetic abilities, as she did for the resulting career path. She also worked for the U.S. Postal Service for several years and had a flair for graphic design and did independent consultant work on various projects. She loved using her creative skills to restore vintage photos, design business logos, and create the family’s annual calendar. There was even a brief period when she was interested in woodworking and she designed and built upholstered bedroom furniture (no crude cutting boards or wooden boxes for her first projects). 

Three years before her passing, Pam began experiencing the symptoms of ALS. As the disease stripped away her mobility, her husband of 38 years, Jim, and son, James, were her unwavering caregivers. Despite her declining health, Pam’s fierce independence and determination persisted. She continued to pursue everything possible, driving as long as she could in good conscience, enjoying luncheons and regular Bible studies, and crocheting until she could no longer manipulate the crochet hook. She was still painting up until she passed and was delighted to host a family painting party just weeks before. Her resilience allowed her to live and enjoy the fullest life possible as the ALS progressed. Not once did Pam ever complain about her fate, and her unwavering faith was a living testament of peace and trust in God. 

Pam will be greatly missed by her husband, Jim; children, Sharon, Sheree, and James; her loving grandchildren; her siblings, Ron, Barb, Cheryl, Tim, and Randy; and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and in-laws. She was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Gladys; and her sisters, Laurie Anne and Sharon Kay.

 Services and Memorials

 A funeral service will be held at Dry Creek Cemetery on Friday, September 5, at 1:00 p.m. All who knew Pam are welcome to attend the burial. 

The family will also be hosting a larger Celebration of Life in the near future (date and location yet to be determined). This will be an opportunity for all family and friends to gather, share memories, and honor the blessing that Pam was in our lives.